New lease on life predicted for Broken Hill

Wed 4 Apr 2007, 1:42 PM AEST

Another major mining development for far west New South Wales has been forecast with discoveries at the Pinnacles Mine, 15 kilometres west of Broken Hill.

The managing director, Craig Williams, says an open cut operation known as the Edwards Pit is under way, and an adjoining discovery called Perseverance has high-grade silver, lead and zinc as well as copper and gold.

He says another four high potential deposits have been found.

Mr Williams says the discoveries are the result of continued drilling, and are far greater than he expected.

"At this stage it's anticipated to reach 600 million tonnes - silver, lead and zinc," he said.

"It's very hard to determine the value of the product in the ground but that's always moving with metal prices.

"But if the mining plan goes ahead full swing, it will be a major development for Broken Hill and I can foresee between 400 and 500 employees."